Chapter 83 SPECIAL CHAPTER 2
“Are you ready to find out the baby’s gender?” Ravena asked as she guided Brienne toward the venue.
Brienne chuckled, one hand instinctively going to her growing belly.
“Honestly, sis, anything is fine with me—as long as my baby is healthy and safe.”
“Aww, that’s so sweet,” Ravena said with a smile. “But my bet’s on a boy,” she added. Brienne laughed softly.
“How much?” she asked. Ravena grinned and leaned closer.
“One thousand dollars,” she said with a wink. “Carter’s betting it’s a girl,” she added.
Brienne shook her head, still smiling, as they stepped inside. Her eyes immediately searched the room, and her heart thumped when she spotted her husband standing nearby with their daughter.
“I’ll go check the food,” Ravena said, quietly walking away and giving the family space to enjoy their moment before the party began.
Raven lifted his head, and his eyes met his wife’s. Without hesitation, he picked up Raeya and walked toward her.
“My stunning wife, I missed you,” Raven said warmly as he reached out and gently touched Brienne’s belly.
“Hi, Mommy!” Raeya chirped, tapping Raven’s hand as she asked to be put down. Raven carefully set her on the floor, and Raeya immediately pressed her head against Brienne’s tummy.
“I can’t wait for my little brothers,” she said excitedly.
Brienne and Raven looked at each other. Raven slowly bent down on one knee and took Raeya’s hand.
“We don’t know if the baby inside Mommy is a boy or a girl yet, sweetie,” he said gently.
Raeya giggled when she felt movement beneath her cheek.
“Brothers?” Brienne asked, her brows furrowing in surprise. But before Raeya could answer, Ravena returned and gently pulled the family toward the front row.
“We’re starting,” she whispered.
“Is everyone excited?” Ravena asked as she waved the envelope in front of the crowd. Cheers erupted around the venue, and Brienne and Raven smiled in delight, their hands tightly clasped together.
They had invited mostly close friends to the party. Janice, of course, was also present, watching from her seat with a knowing smile.
“I have the result right here,” Ravena said, holding up the envelope. “So, what’s your bet?!” she yelled.
Different voices rang out from the crowd, some chanting “girl,” others shouting “boy,” filling the room with laughter and excitement.
“We should ask the couple first,” Ravena added as she walked toward them. She handed the spare microphone to her brother, and Raven took it.
“So, what do you think it’s going to be, Raven?” Ravena asked, raising her eyebrows playfully.
“Anything’s fine with me, as long as our baby is safe—and Brienne is safe and healthy too,” Raven answered sincerely as he squeezed Brienne’s hand.
“Oh, a safe answer,” Ravena teased. “But I want you to choose,” she added.
Raven glared at her in mock annoyance, making the crowd erupt in laughter.
“A girl would be fine,” he said at last. “I’d love to have another Brienne running around the house,” he added.
Brienne melted at his words and couldn’t stop the tears from forming in her eyes.
“Why are you crying?” Raven asked softly, turning to her.
“I’m sorry,” she replied with a small laugh, wiping her tears. “Pregnancy hormones acting up,” she added.
The crowd laughed once again, the warmth and joy in the room growing as the moment drew closer.
“Now, now, stop crying, sis,” Ravena said gently. “It’s your turn to answer the question,” she added as she handed Brienne the microphone. Brienne took a deep breath and smiled.
“I want to have a baby boy this time,” she said softly as she rubbed her belly. “I want a mini Raven around,” she added, lifting her eyes to her husband.
“Aww, that’s so sweet—the two of you,” Ravena said warmly. “And now, let’s ask my dearest, beautiful niece,” she added as she squatted down to Raeya’s level.
“My Rae-rae,” Ravena said with a grin. “What do you think your sibling will be?” she asked.
Raeya smiled shyly and took the microphone, holding it with both hands before speaking.
“It’s a boy, and Mama has two in her tummy!” Raeya exclaimed confidently.
Ravena’s eyes widened as she looked at Brienne and Raven. Both of them simply shrugged, unsure if Raeya was just guessing or somehow telling the truth.
“Well then, Rae-rae,” Ravena said with a laugh, standing back up, “let’s find out!”
She slowly tore the envelope open as drumroll sounds echoed through the venue, sending excitement rippling through the crowd. Raven tightened his grip on Brienne’s hand, while Raeya sat snugly between them, all three waiting for the reveal.
“It’s a…”
“I love you,” Raven whispered to his wife. Brienne looked at him, emotion swelling in her chest, and leaned closer.
“I love you, too,” she whispered back.
“It’s a boy!” Ravena exclaimed.
The venue erupted in cheers. Raven immediately pulled Brienne into his arms and kissed her on the lips, unable to hide his joy.
“Thank you, darling,” he said softly against her forehead.
“Wait, wait—hold up,” Ravena suddenly said, her eyes widening as she looked back at the result.
“Ven, what’s wrong?” Raven asked, his voice laced with worry.
“Sis?” Brienne muttered anxiously.
Ravena gasped, then jumped in place, practically glowing with excitement.
“It’s twins! Twin boys!” Ravena announced.
“Oh, thank the Moon Goddess!” Cecil exclaimed as her knees nearly gave out. Arthur quickly helped her sit down on a nearby chair, holding her steady.
“Twins!” Arthur exclaimed, pride clear on his face as he looked at his son and daughter-in-law.
“See? I told you!” Raeya said proudly, giggling as she looked up at them.
Brienne couldn’t hold it in anymore. Tears streamed down her face as the weight of the news finally sank in.
“Raven…”
He cupped her face gently, his voice trembling with emotion.
“Darling, thank you.”
“Fuck, does that mean I lost the bet twice?” Carter muttered, making everyone burst into laughter.
Months passed after the gender reveal. Ever since then, everyone had been extra careful around Brienne—and as usual, the pregnant lady absolutely hated it.
She couldn’t take three steps without someone telling her to sit down, slow down, or rest.
“Darling, this one’s good for twin babies,” Raven said patiently, holding up a folded piece of clothing. “I also discussed it with Sam first,” he added.
Brienne rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
“I don’t like it,” she said firmly. Raven sighed but smiled anyway.
“You haven’t even tried it yet,” he said.
“I don’t need to,” she replied. “It looks uncomfortable,” she added.
Before Raven could argue, Raeya tugged at Brienne’s hand and looked up at her.
“Mommy, Daddy just wants you and my brothers safe,” she said seriously.
Brienne paused, then softened. She let out a small sigh and brushed Raeya’s hair.
“Fine,” she said at last. “But just this once.”
Raven grinned, clearly counting it as a win. Brienne glared at Raven and tried doing what he wanted her to do.
Later that night, Raven pulled Brienne closer to him. They lay together in their bed, the room quiet as the moon shone brightly through the window, casting soft light across their tangled forms.
“Are you still mad at me?” Raven asked softly. He kissed her shoulder blade, his hand resting protectively over her belly, feeling the faint movements beneath his palm.
“I’m not mad,” Brienne whispered. “I’m upset.” She sighed before continuing.
“When everyone found out I was carrying twins, you all started treating me like I needed constant attention. Sam already told you the babies are fine—healthy and kicking,” she said. Raven kissed her again, slower this time.
“I’m sorry, darling,” he murmured. “I’m just concerned,” he added.
“This is our first time having twins,” Raven continued after a moment. “I didn’t know what to do to help you. I’ve been researching for days—what’s good, what’s bad. I asked Sam for advice and tips. I never thought it would stress you instead of helping you.” He squeezed Brienne’s hand, his voice heavy with guilt.
Brienne’s heart softened at his words. She turned toward him and cupped his cheeks, her thumb brushing gently over his skin.
“I appreciate it, darling. I really do,” she said quietly. “But sometimes you—and our family—go way overboard,” she added.
She leaned in, pressing her forehead against his.
“We’re fine,” she whispered.
Raven closed his eyes and nodded, pulling her into a tighter embrace as if committing those words to memory, the steady rhythm of her breathing slowly easing his worries.
“Aw,” Brienne grimaced softly when she felt the twins kick inside her. She turned to look at Raven and immediately noticed the worry written all over his face.
“They just kicked,” she said gently. “Wanna feel them?” she added.
She didn’t wait for his reply and guided his hands to her belly. They waited in silence, breaths held, until another kick came—stronger this time. Raven’s eyes widened.
“Wow… it’s just like Raeya when she was in your tummy,” he whispered in awe. He lowered his head and rested it against Brienne’s belly.
“Hey, my sons,” he murmured softly.
“Don’t be naughty in there, okay?” he continued, smiling. “And the most important thing—don’t make things hard for your mom.”
Brienne laughed quietly as Raven’s hand moved gently up and down her belly, soothing both her and the babies inside.
Just then, another kick followed, almost as if answering him.
“See?” Brienne teased. “They already know how to listen to you,” she added. Raven chuckled and lifted his head, pressing a soft kiss against her skin.
“Or maybe they’re just letting me think I’m in charge,” he said.
Brienne shifted closer to him, resting her head on his chest as the room fell quiet once more, filled only with soft laughter and the calm comfort of their growing family.